ASAP Rocky Shooting Video and Not Guilty Verdict

ASAP Rocky, the Grammy-nominated hip-hop artist, was found not guilty on Tuesday of shooting his former collaborator, Terell Ephron (ASAP Relli). The verdict came after a three-week trial that had the potential to derail his career.

The case stemmed from an incident in November 2021, when Relli accused Rocky of firing a gun at him during a confrontation in Hollywood. Rocky was charged with two felony counts of assault with a deadly weapon and faced up to 24 years in prison if convicted. However, after nearly three hours of deliberation, the jury cleared him of all charges.

The trial attracted significant public attention, partly due to the presence of Rihanna, Rocky’s partner and the mother of his two young sons. She attended multiple court sessions, showing unwavering support. The case also highlighted tensions between Rocky and his former rap collective, ASAP Mob, from which Relli and other witnesses were once close associates.

Following the not guilty verdict, Rocky expressed deep gratitude to the jury, stating, “Thank y’all for saving my life.” He then embraced his family, including Rihanna, and his lawyer, Joe Tacopina. The outcome not only preserved his personal freedom but also secured his professional future, as he is set to headline Rolling Loud festival, co-chair the Met Gala, and star in an upcoming Spike Lee film.

With this legal battle behind him, ASAP Rocky can now focus on his career, but the case has left lingering disputes, including Relli’s civil lawsuit for damages. The verdict marks a turning point in the rapper’s life, allowing him to move forward after a high-profile legal ordeal.

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Background of the Case and Full Video

ASAP Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, is a Grammy-nominated hip-hop artist known for his influence in rap and fashion. Rising to fame in the early 2010s as a key member of the ASAP Mob collective, Rocky established himself as a major figure in the music industry with hits like Praise the Lord and L$D. Beyond music, he has worked with major brands and is in a high-profile relationship with Rihanna, with whom he shares two children.

Full video of ASAP Rocky


The legal troubles began with an incident on November 6, 2021, when Rocky was accused of shooting his former collaborator, Terell Ephron (ASAP Relli), near the W Hotel in Hollywood. Relli claimed that an argument escalated, and Rocky pulled out a gun, firing at him and grazing his hand.

Rocky was later charged with two felony counts of assault with a deadly weapon. If convicted, he faced a potential 24-year prison sentence. The case gained media attention not only because of Rocky’s celebrity status but also due to his history with Relli as former high school friends and members of ASAP Mob. Their falling out led to legal battles, including a civil lawsuit Relli filed for damages.

The Trial Process

The trial lasted for three weeks, with both sides presenting conflicting accounts of the incident.

The prosecution argued that ASAP Rocky intentionally shot at Relli, presenting surveillance footage that appeared to show Rocky holding a firearm. They claimed the weapon was a semiautomatic gun, posing a real threat to Relli’s life.

On the other hand, the defense countered that the gun was a prop used for filming a music video. They maintained that Rocky only fired blanks and that Relli knew the gun was fake. Furthermore, they argued that Relli had exaggerated the event in an attempt to extort money from Rocky and strengthen his civil lawsuit.

Testimonies

Several key witnesses testified during the trial:

Prosecution Witnesses:

Relli claimed Rocky shot at him after a heated confrontation.

Surveillance footage was presented, but no physical firearm was ever recovered.

Defense Witnesses:

ASAP Twelvyy (Jamel Phillips) and ASAP Illz (Illijah Ulanger) testified that Rocky used a prop gun and fired only blanks.

A security expert confirmed that Rocky had started carrying the fake gun for self-protection after receiving threats.

One major weakness in the prosecution’s case was the absence of the gun itself. Police never found the weapon, and Relli himself retrieved bullet casings from the scene later that night, raising doubts about the credibility of his claims.

Key Moments from the Trial

When the not guilty verdict was announced, ASAP Rocky showed visible relief, immediately hugging his family and his lawyer, Joe Tacopina. He turned to the jury and said, “Thank y’all for saving my life.”

Rihanna attended several sessions of the trial, bringing their two young sons on occasion. While the prosecution urged the jury not to be swayed by her presence, it was clear that Rihanna’s unwavering support strengthened public sympathy for Rocky.

Rocky’s lawyer, Tacopina, noted that Rihanna insisted on being there, saying, “Wild horses couldn’t keep her away.”

Relli spent several days on the stand, growing increasingly frustrated during cross-examination. When confronted with his Instagram posts and questioned about the death threats he received, Relli became agitated.

At one point, Judge Mark S. Arnold had to calm him down, saying, “Take it easy. Drink some water.” Relli fired back, saying, “I’m not on trial. I’ve been looking stupid for five days.”

The prosecution’s case heavily relied on surveillance footage, which appeared to show Rocky holding a gun. However, because the actual weapon was never recovered, the defense successfully argued that there was no conclusive evidence proving the gun was real or that Rocky had malicious intent.

In the end, the lack of a firearm, conflicting testimonies, and weak forensic evidence led the jury to acquit Rocky of all charges.

The Verdict and Its Implications

After nearly three hours of deliberation, the jury found ASAP Rocky not guilty on all charges related to the alleged shooting of Terell Ephron (ASAP Relli). The verdict was a significant victory for the rapper, who had faced two felony counts of assault with a deadly weapon and a potential 24-year prison sentence if convicted.

One of the most crucial weaknesses in the prosecution’s case was the absence of the firearm allegedly used in the incident. Police never recovered a weapon, and no forensic evidence linked Rocky to a real gun. This created reasonable doubt, making it difficult for the prosecution to prove that Rocky had committed a crime beyond a reasonable doubt.

Additionally, conflicting witness testimonies played a role in undermining the prosecution’s argument. While Relli insisted that Rocky fired real bullets, witnesses for the defense, including ASAP Twelvyy and ASAP Illz, testified that the firearm was merely a prop gun loaded with blanks.

Legal analysts have pointed out that the case was highly circumstantial and lacked solid forensic evidence. Sam Bassett, a Texas-based criminal defense attorney, noted that “without a gun, bullet fragments, or independent verification of a real firearm, the prosecution had an uphill battle.”

Some experts also believe that Relli’s civil lawsuit against Rocky may have influenced his testimony. Defense attorney Joe Tacopina accused Relli of exaggerating the events to strengthen his ongoing lawsuit for damages, which could now face serious hurdles after the not guilty verdict.

In addition to the civil suit, Relli had filed a defamation lawsuit against ASAP Rocky and Tacopina for comments made during the case. However, with Rocky being acquitted, these lawsuits may lose credibility. Tacopina confidently remarked, “He sued us, and after today, I don’t think that’s going so well.”

Impact on ASAP Rocky’s Career

Had ASAP Rocky been convicted, his career could have been in jeopardy, with possible jail time interrupting his music and business ventures. The trial also placed him under intense public scrutiny, with his legal troubles dominating headlines. However, the not guilty verdict allows him to move forward without the stigma of a conviction.

Upcoming Projects and Appearances

With the trial behind him, Rocky can now refocus on his career. He has several major projects lined up:

Public Reaction and Media Coverage

The verdict received mixed reactions from the public. Fans celebrated Rocky’s acquittal, while others questioned whether justice was truly served, given the unresolved dispute between him and Relli.

Rihanna’s unwavering support throughout the trial also became a major talking point. Her courtroom appearances drew media attention, with some speculating that her presence helped shift public perception in Rocky’s favor.

While the trial is over, its impact on Rocky’s personal and professional relationships including his former ties with ASAP Mob remains to be seen.

The case was more than just a high-profile celebrity trial it was a legal battle that tested the credibility of witness testimonies, the importance of physical evidence, and the influence of media coverage. The verdict allowed Rocky to avoid serious legal consequences, but it also exposed the complex dynamics between former friends turned adversaries.

Despite his acquittal, ASAP Rocky may still face civil lawsuits from Relli. However, with the criminal case resolved in his favor, these legal battles may become less threatening.

The case raises questions about the reliability of accusations, particularly when no physical evidence is presented. It also highlights how celebrity influence including the presence of high-profile figures like Rihanna can shape public narratives and legal proceedings.

With his freedom intact, ASAP Rocky now has the chance to rebuild his image, focus on his music and film projects, and move forward from one of the most challenging legal battles of his career.

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